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Croaghbane can be viewed and reached from Gaugin as this picture of the col between the two shows. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/209/comment/14756/

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Picture from Aidy : Owendoo River valley in the gloom

Picture: Owendoo River valley in the gloom

Windy (ahem) scouting trip.

by Aidy 13 Apr 2014

Climbed today from the Reelan Valley. I had set out early with half a notion of maybe doing a circuit right round to Lavagh Beg, taking in six Vandeleur-Lynams, but with the intention of at least having a look at the area, with a view to doing this longer walk later. I should have known that not being fully committed psychologically, I would probably just settle for the one peak today, and that's how it turned out. Part of the reason was the length of time it took me to find the right turn off for the starting point at the old schoolhouse - I had imagined more of a main road, rather than the lane with grass up the middle that it was. I wasted a good part of the morning driving a long way down wrong roads. If it helps, the junction where it meets the road, has a sign for Glenties 8km, Ballybofey 21 km.

I went up Croaghbane via Glascarns Hill, itself a great hill with a magnificent rocky top (or is that actually a minor summit on Croaghbane, with Glascarns being lower?). Strangely, my OS Map Sheet 11 names Glascarns Hill, but not Croaghbane, Ardnageer, or Ardnageer SW Top, although their summits are marked. I had started out walking in beautiful sunshine, with a good forecast, but by the time I got to the top of Glascarns Hill, the wind was so strong it was difficult to stand up or walk. I don't think I've ever experienced wind as strong, and it was actually very disconcerting, showing how quick conditions can change in the mountains. I actually considered turning back then, but it was such a short hike to Croaghbane from there that I pushed on, struggling to stay on my feet.

At the top of Croaghbane, not only was it the wind unbelievable, but cloud had started to close in at this height, and visibility was increasingly poor. I wandered round the summit area, taking a few photos through the gloom, although it was very difficult to get even those sharp with the wind. Given the later start than planned, and the lack of views due to weather, I decided to call it a day and retreat via Glascarns Hill again. On the plus side, I saw enough to know the views would be great on a good day, and it looked like the longer walk would be within my capabilities - I'll just wait for longer days in June/July. Met a few others at the parking spot, who said they'd only been to the top of Glascarns Hill, which made me feel a bit better! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/209/comment/15999/

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Picture from Val Jones : Eas Doonan (waterfall)

Picture: Eas Doonan (waterfall)

Doonan Waterfall

by Val Jones 24 Aug 2018

Parked as described by bryanmccabe, and followed the path up. Doonan waterfall was in full spate, we mightn't have noticed it if we hadn't heard it. I wondered what the sluice gate type structure above the waterfall actually is for, and also some other items on the way up to Belshade, including the TV aerial, solar panel, and another item covered in plastic on the dam at the lake outflow.
Unfortunately the river was too strong coming out of the lake to cross, so we didn't get to any summit. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/209/comment/20028/